LA SOCIALIZACIÓN DE LA GEODIVERSIDAD: ESTRATEGIAS

(Ejemplos en Gran Bretaña y Europa)

Geology and geological heritage: new perspectives from the UK

3: Environmental interpretation on geological heritage sites: examples

from across Europe

1. Promoting Earth heritage and its conservation:

• News media

• Formal education

• General education

• The internet…

• On-site interpretation

1.1: News media

e.g.

• Radio,

• Television,

• Newspapers,

• Magazines.

• Ephemeral, but useful for stimulating interest and action or informing about on-going activities…

1.2: Formal education

e.g.• National Curriculum,

• University courses,

• Adult / continuing education, etc.

• Long term investment in the future –but can engender interest and support in the short term..

1.3: General educatione.g.• Information leaflets,

• Themed publications,

• Seminars / conferences,

• Museum activities and displays,

• ‘Festivals’ of geology, etc.

• Most appropriate long-term strategy for geodiversity andconservation but should be closely linked with news media coverage and site interpretation...

1.4: The internet, including:

• General web-based information and reports

• Information on sites to visit, e.g. the Educational Register of Geological Sites for Devon:

• News items, etc.• N.B. All web-based information implies

discrimination, is inevitably ‘self-targeting’and cannot be a substitute for on-site provision!

1.5: On-site interpretatione.g.

• Sign boards,

• Self guided trails,

• Heritage centres, etc.

2.The principles of environmental interpretation…

Interpretation is:

“...an educational activity which aims to reveal meanings and relationships through the use of original objects by first hand experience and by illustrative media, rather than simply to communicate factual information.” (Tilden 1967)

Environmental Interpretation is, therefore:

“....the act of explaining or revealing the character of an area through interrelationships between rocks, soils, plants and man to.....visitors in the field, with preparation and follow- up usually in thematic or story form, to increase visitor awareness of the significance of the site visited and the need to conserve it.”

(Aldridge 1975)

Interpretation has the:

“...dual purposes of best serving the interests of the visitors who come to see and experience a site and also those of the place itself. Good interpretation will raise the value of a site in the eyes of those who come to visit; greater value will lead to a greater conviction of the need to conserve.”

(Herbert 1989) Geotourism (provision) is:

“The provision of interpretative and service facilities to enable tourists to acquire knowledge and understanding of the geology and geomorphology of a site (including its contribution to the development of the Earth sciences) beyond the level of mere aesthetic appreciation.”

(Hose 1995)

3. Site information signs and boards 3.1: The function of signs on conservation sites:

• To inform visitors of the conserved status of the site

• To control or manage visitors and therefore aid site conservation

• To establish to role of the organisation or organisations responsible for the management and/or protection of the site

• To interpret features at the site for visitors (optional).

3.2: Interpretative sign boards have additional functions:

• To enhance visitor enjoyment in the belief that an understanding of the countryside increases the pleasure derived from visiting

• To increase the public understanding and appreciation of the countryside leading to a respect for it and an awareness of the need for its conservation

• To facilitate the management of a natural resource by influencing the pattern of visitor movement

• To satisfy a visitor demand for information.

3.3: Basic types of signs for site management and information:

• Site Specific Information Plaque - includes brief description of the site on which it is placed

• Standardised Site Management Sign - includes a statement of the conserved status of the site (non site specific)

• Visitor management instructions - short statement or instruction only.

3.4: Prioritising Interpretative Information Board schemes, considerations include:

• High visitor numbers, e.g. Signs on sites within popular touristic areas/ established viewing points/ visited by significant numbers of visitors (e.g. close to urban areas) will have the highest impact. Schemes must be designed to meet needs of a significant number of these visitors!

• Prime teaching sites, i.e. sign can be a teaching aid.

• Sites damaged or threatened by over use, bad practice, ignorance or trespass may benefit from signing although…

• The site must also have an appropriate level of management to ensure that the facility is maintained in good order!

• Full co-operation of site owners and managers is essential - in practice a ‘partnership approach is most reliable and productive.

• Risk of vandalism or erosion must be such that longevity of sign not significantly prejudiced.

• Interpretative signs are most effective if linked into an existing or planned natural and/or man-made heritage interpretation or management programme (e.g. with links to museums, centres, other sites, etc.).

• There must be a strong and interesting story to be told, and preferably dramatic or obvious features, for the scheme to work, i.e. the interpretation provides links with features people can see or experience…

Anatomy of a signboard…

Meldon, Devon, SW England

Anatomy of a signboard (1) …the view!:

Anatomy of a signboard (2), the introduction:

Anatomy of a signboard (3), the story:

Anatomy of a signboard (4), the conclusion:

Anatomy of a signboard (5), the conservation message:

Anatomy of a signboard (6), how to find out more:

Anatomy of a signboard (7), who is responsible for the board?

Funding sources

Text and illustrations The conservation manager and/ or landowner

Partners and funders logos

Interpretative sign boards: Examples of good (and not so good!) practice (1):

Hunstanston, Norfolk, E England

Interpretative sign boards (2):

Dozeski Soteska, Slovenia

Sobrabre European Geopark,Pyrenees, Spain (1)

Interpretative sign boards (3):

Bielsa valley, SobrabreEuropean Geopark,Pyrenees, Spain (2)

English Riviera European Geopark, Devon, SW England

Interpretative sign boards (4):

English Riviera European Geopark, Devon, SW England

Interpretative sign boards (5):

Interpretative sign boards (6):

Krka National Park, Croatia

Kimmeridge Bay, JurassicCoast World Heritage Site, Dorset, SW England

Interpretative sign boards (7):

Parc Natural de Cap de Creus,Costa Brava, SE Spain

Interpretative sign boards (8):

4. Geological trails

4.1: Definition: Self-guided written trails are:

“...booklets [or leaflets] involving the identification and explanation of a collection of linked sites which can be examined by the reader without the physical presence of an interpreter” i.e., they are “self paced structured distance- learning packages”

(Keene 1995)

4.2: Geological trails - Important considerations (1): • Is your trail really necessary? (Or is some other technique

more appropriate?)

• Target audience? (Who is likely to use the trail and will their expectations influence its development?)

• Focus? (What is the theme of the trail and what do you wish your target audience to gain from using it?)

• Participation? (e.g. What degree of interaction do you expect to achieve from your chosen target audience?)

4.2: Geological trails - Important considerations (2):

• Adjustment to audience? (e.g. Can some of the needs and expectations of other potential audiences be combined with those of your target audience without significantly prejudicing the effectiveness of the trail?)

• Authorship? (communicator v. specialist)

• Logistics and finance? (e.g. sponsorship, safety, access, rights of way, maintenance)

Examples of self-guided trails (1):

Buckinghamshire,central England

Leicestershire,central England

Examples of self-guided trails (2):

Burrator, Devon,SW England (1)

Burrator, Devon,SW England (2)

Examples of self-guided trails (3):

Aliaga Geological Park, Maestrazgo Geopark, Aragon, Spain (1)

Aliaga Geological Park, Maestrazgo Geopark, Aragon, Spain (2)

Examples of self-guided trails (4):

Geopark trail, Rab Island, Croatia

5: Heritage centres5.1: Prerequisites for successful centres are likely

to include (1):• A location where there is a significant existing interest in

aspects of the natural history or heritage of the area or site

• A location which is already frequented by significant numbers of visitors

• Multi-tiered and attractive displays, providing ‘something for everyone’, with each separate display clearly and separately themed

• Interactive displays, ranging from simple specimen handling tables to computer technology.

5.1: Prerequisites for successful centres are likely to include (2):

• Displays based on spectacular specimens or other interesting objects

• A range of locally produced / targeted information leaflets or other publications which enable visitors to continue to benefit from the facilities elsewhere on the site or at home

• A warden or attendant on hand to bring the displays to life or lead guided walks

• An adequate and ideally self-sustainable source of funding and support (e.g. through partnerships and community participation)

5.2: Types of geological heritage centre include:

• Simple shelter or building with flexible displays linked to geological activities

• ‘Stone gardens’ and parks

• Reconstructions and sculptures

• Staffed buildings with displays, educational facilities, etc

• Museums and related facilities (e.g. with integrated interpretative programmes and activities, incorporating site- specific displays and/or conservation themes)

Simple shelter or building with flexible displays linked to geological activities (1):

Yorkshire Brick Quarry,Yorkshire, NE England

Simple shelter or building with flexible displays linked to geological activities (2):

La Rioja, Spain

Simple shelter or building with flexible displays linked to geological activities (3):

Berry Head, Devon, SW England

Simple shelter or building with flexible displays linked to geological activities (4):

Ljubliana castle, Slovenia

Simple shelter or building with flexible displays linked to geological activities (5):

Galve, Maestrazgo Geopark, Aragon, Spain

Simple shelter or building with flexible displays linked to geological activities (6):

Hallsands, Devon, SW England

‘Stone gardens’ and parks (1):

Tata Geological Park, Hungary

‘Stone gardens’ and parks (2):

Los Galachos de la Alfranca, Aragon, Spain

National Botanic Gardens of Wales Carmarthenshire, Wales

‘Stone gardens’ and parks (3):

Reconstructions and sculptures (1):

Crystal Palace, London, England

Galve, Maestrazgo Geopark, Aragon, Spain

Reconstructions and sculptures (2):

Reconstructions and sculptures (3):

La Rioja, Spain

Staffed buildings with displays, educational facilities, etc (1):

Ainsa, Sobrabre European Geopark, Pyrenees, Spain (1)

Ainsa, Sobrabre European Geopark, Pyrenees, Spain (2)

Sobrabre European Geopark, Pyrenees, Spain (3)

Morwellham Quay, Cornish Mining Landscapes World Heritage Site,

Devon, SW Engalnd

Staffed buildings with displays, educational facilities, etc (2):

Aliaga Geological Park, Maestrazgo Geopark, Aragon, Spain

Staffed buildings with displays, educational facilities, etc (3):

Staffed buildings with displays, educational facilities, etc (4):

Cerknica Polje, Slovenia

Staffed buildings with displays, educational facilities, etc (5):

Antonijev Rov Mine, Idrija, Slovenia (1)

Antonijev Rov Mine, Idrija, Slovenia (2)

Staffed buildings with displays, educational facilities, etc (6):

Podezemlje Pece Mine, Idrija, Slovenia (1)

Podezemlje Pece Mine, Idrija, Slovenia (2)

Kents Cavern, Torbay, Devon, SW England

Staffed buildings with displays, educational facilities, etc (7):

Museums and related facilities (with site-specific displays) (1):

Semur en Auxois Museum, Burgundy, France

6: Evaluating the effectiveness of interpre- tative schemes

6.1: Methodology includes interviews with assessment of:

• Visitors response to panel/scheme(e.g. ignored / viewed)• Size of groups logged• Number of visits a year by interviewee• Age profile of visitors• Daily newspaper readership• Visitors educational attainment• Visitors level of geological education• Common fossil recognition• Recognition of or naming of geological systems• Rock types believed to be at site by visitors.

Roadside interpretation at a Neogene bird footprint site in the Réserve Géologique de Haute Provence: how much geological

information will these visitors retain on leaving the locality?

6.2: Implications: • Given sufficient exposure, people will recall geological

terms

• At present geological information cannot compete with other natural history and general heritage material

• Geological information therefore needs to be presented in isolation or integrated within a themed landscape approach to be most effectively communicated

• Additional detailed analyses of visitor responses to existing provisions are needed to aid the design and fully develop new geological attractions…

7. Interpretative Strategies and ‘geodiversity audits’

• Provide a rationale and framework for developing cost- effective and suitably targeted schemes.

• Enable integrated approaches by exploring the potential of the geological resource available and by identifying established facilities or materials and potential partnerships.

What should the geoscientists role be inenvironmental interpretation?

• Encouraging more geologically focussed interpretation?

• Providing free advice to any organisation establishing geologically focussed interpretation?

• Or even being paid commercial rates for providing such advice?!

Peña Oroel, Pyrenees, Spain - possibly the worst sited interpretation board in Europe….

…and one of the best!